Your essential guide to soldering unusual metals with the right flux and alloys.
From aluminium bronze to stainless steel, learn how to achieve reliable solder joints. Bill Shorthouse Metals, with over 40 years of experience, offers a wide range of high-quality solders, fluxes, and white metal casting alloys to meet your soldering needs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Soldering is a fundamental technique used in a variety of industries, from engineering to jewellery making. While soldering traditional metals like copper and brass is well-known, tackling unusual metals can pose unique challenges. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of soldering unusual metals, highlighting the appropriate fluxes and alloys for each material.
At Bill Shorthouse Metals, we understand the importance of using high-quality solders, brazing fluxes, and alloys to ensure reliable and durable solder joints. With over 40 years of experience, we are a trusted supplier in the industry, offering a diverse range of products tailored to different applications. Whether you're a modeller, engineer, electronics engineer, industrial user, or jeweller, our extensive range of solder supplies has got you covered. Let's dive into the world of soldering unusual metals!
Aluminium Bronze
To solder aluminium bronze effectively, a special active flux is required in combination with a 60/40 tin/lead alloy. Aluminium bronze is known for its resistance to corrosion and high strength. When soldering aluminium bronze, it is crucial to ensure the material is clean and free from grease or tarnish. The flux promotes proper wetting and adhesion of the solder to the metal surface, resulting in a strong joint.
Alloys and Flux:
● 60/40 tin/lead alloy
● Special active flux
At Bill Shorthouse Metals, we offer high-quality 60/40 tin/lead alloys and the specialised active flux needed for soldering aluminium bronze. Our products are available in various forms, including ingots, sticks, preforms, and solder wire, providing you with options to suit your specific soldering requirements.
Beryllium Copper
When soldering beryllium copper, the material should be recently pickled and free from grease or tarnish. While a rosin flux can be used, some prefer an active flux for better results. In such cases, a standard active flux is suitable, but it is crucial to remove the residue carefully. Washing with a weak solution of hydrochloric acid followed by a warm water rinse ensures thorough cleaning of the joint.
Alloys and Flux:
● Standard Active Flux
● 60/40 tin/lead alloy (if preferred)
Bill Shorthouse Metals offers a range of fluxes and alloys suitable for soldering beryllium copper. Our technical experts can provide guidance in selecting the right product for your application to achieve optimal soldering results.
Cast Iron
Tinning cast iron, such as bearing shells, requires the use of a tinning compound. This specialised compound facilitates the soldering process by providing a suitable surface for solder adhesion. Tinning cast iron is essential for various applications, including repairs and modifications.
Alloys and Flux:
● Tinning Compound
At Bill Shorthouse Metals, we supply high-quality tinning compounds specifically designed for soldering cast iron. Our products are reliable and efficient, ensuring excellent results.
Chromium Copper
When soldering chromium copper, it is recommended to use a 44-45 tin-lead antimonial solder with a rosin paste or fluid flux. Alternatively, a standard active paste or fluid flux can be used but it is important to wash off the flux residues thoroughly to avoid any detrimental effects on the material.
Alloys and Flux:
● 44-45 tin-lead antimonial solder (2.2-2.7% balance lead)
● Rosin paste or fluid flux (non-corrosive) or standard active paste or fluid flux
Bill Shorthouse Metals offers the necessary alloys and fluxes for soldering chromium copper. Our products undergo strict quality control measures to ensure exceptional performance and customer satisfaction.
Constantan to Copper Wire
To solder constantan to copper wire, a 60/40 tin/lead alloy with a rosin paste flux is commonly used with a soldering iron. Hot dipping is unsuitable for this particular application. Proper flux selection is essential to achieve a strong and reliable solder joint between the two materials.
Alloys and Flux:
● 60/40 tin/lead alloy
● Rosin paste flux (non-corrosive)
Bill Shorthouse Metals provides high-quality 60/40 tin/lead alloys and rosin paste flux suitable for soldering constantan to copper wire. Our products are carefully formulated to deliver exceptional results.
Monel Metal
For soldering monel metal, a 60/40 tin/lead alloy combined with a special active flux is recommended. Monel metal is a nickel-copper alloy known for its resistance to corrosion, making it popular in various applications, including marine and aerospace industries. Using the right flux and alloy ensures reliable and durable solder joints.
Alloys and Flux:
● 60/40 tin/lead alloy
● Special active flux
Bill Shorthouse Metals offers high-quality 60/40 tin/lead alloys and specialised active fluxes tailored for soldering monel metal. Our products are trusted by professionals for their consistent quality and exceptional performance.
Nickel-Chrome
Nickel-chrome alloys are commonly used in electrical work. When soldering nickel-chrome, it is crucial to select a safety flux that does not affect the paper insulation. The flux should effectively promote adhesion while avoiding any adverse impact on the surrounding materials.
Alloys and Flux:
● Safety flux
Bill Shorthouse Metals provides safety fluxes suitable for soldering nickel-chrome alloys. Our products meet industry standards and offer reliable results, ensuring the integrity of electrical connections.
Passivated Zinc
Soldering passivated zinc requires the use of a strong active flux in conjunction with a 45/55 tin/lead or 40/60 tin/lead alloy. The flux helps remove the passivation layer and promotes proper wetting and adhesion of the solder to the zinc surface.
Alloys and Flux:
● 45/55 tin/lead alloy or 40/60 tin/lead alloy
● Strong active flux
Bill Shorthouse Metals supplies high-quality alloys and strong active fluxes for soldering passivated zinc. Our products are trusted by professionals for their consistent performance and exceptional quality.
Pewter
Pewter, with a melting point similar to soft solder, offers versatility in soldering applications. For soldering pewter, a fusible alloy No. 18 or a 60/40 tin/lead alloy can be used. If lead-free soldering is preferred, a 96/4 tin/silver alloy is a suitable choice.
Alloys and Flux:
● Fusible alloy No. 18 or 60/40 tin/lead alloy
● 96/4 tin/silver alloy (lead-free)
Bill Shorthouse Metals offers a range of alloys suitable for soldering pewter, including fusible alloys, tin/lead alloys, and tin/silver alloys.
Stainless Steel
When soldering stainless steel, selecting the appropriate flux and alloy is crucial to achieve a strong and reliable joint. Two suitable options are a 60/40 tin/lead alloy or a 44-45 tin-lead antimonial solder (2.2-2.7% balance lead) in combination with a stainless steel active flux. However, one vital aspect often overlooked is the thorough removal of all flux residue to ensure a clean and visually appealing soldered joint.
For specific industries such as food and water, where lead poses potential risks due to its toxicity, it is imperative to use lead-free solders. In such cases, we highly recommend opting for a 96/4 tin/silver alloy. This choice not only complies with safety standards but also guarantees excellent soldering performance in critical environments.
Alloys and Flux:
● 60/40 tin/lead alloy or 44-45 tin-lead antimonial solder (2.2-2.7% balance lead)
● Stainless steel active flux
At Bill Shorthouse Metals, we offer high-quality alloys and stainless steel active fluxes designed for soldering stainless steel. Our products provide excellent adhesion and reliable solder joints, ensuring customer satisfaction.
Zinc and Galvanised Iron
Soldering zinc and galvanised iron requires the use of a strong active flux in combination with a 45/55 tin/lead alloy or a 40/60 tin/lead alloy. The flux helps remove any oxidation or passivation layers on the metal surface, allowing the solder to adhere effectively.
Alloys and Flux:
● 45/55 tin/lead alloy or 40/60 tin/lead alloy
● Strong active flux
Bill Shorthouse Metals supplies high-quality alloys and strong active fluxes suitable for soldering zinc and galvanised iron. Our products are trusted for their performance and reliability, ensuring strong and durable solder joints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I solder aluminium bronze without using a specialised flux?
While it is possible to solder aluminium bronze without a specialised flux, the use of a special active flux is highly recommended. The flux ensures proper wetting and adhesion of the solder to the metal surface, resulting in a stronger joint. At Bill Shorthouse Metals, we offer the necessary specialised flux for soldering aluminium bronze.
Is it necessary to remove the flux residue when soldering stainless steel?
Yes, it is crucial to remove all flux residue when soldering stainless steel. Leaving flux residue on the surface can lead to discolouration, corrosion, or aesthetic issues. Thoroughly clean the solder joint using appropriate cleaning solutions or methods. Our stainless steel active fluxes are designed to facilitate easy removal of flux residue.
What flux should I use for soldering cast iron?
For soldering cast iron, a tinning compound is recommended. The tinning compound acts as a flux and provides a suitable surface for solder adhesion. Bill Shorthouse Metals supplies high-quality tinning compounds specifically designed for soldering cast iron.
Can I solder nickel-chrome alloys using a standard flux?
It is advisable to use a safety flux when soldering nickel-chrome alloys, especially when electrical insulation is involved. Safety fluxes are formulated to avoid adverse effects on the surrounding materials, including paper insulation commonly found in electrical work.
What soldering alloy should I use for pewter?
Pewter can be soldered using a fusible alloy No. 18 or a 60/40 tin/lead alloy. If lead-free soldering is preferred, a 96/4 tin/silver alloy can be used. Bill Shorthouse Metals offers a range of alloys suitable for soldering pewter, catering to different preferences and requirements.
Where can I purchase the necessary fluxes and alloys for soldering unusual metals?
You can purchase high-quality fluxes and alloys for soldering unusual metals from Bill Shorthouse Metals. With over 40 years of experience, we specialise in supplying solders, silver solders, fluxes, copper phosphorus alloys, and white metal casting alloys. Our knowledgeable team can provide technical advice and help you select the best products for your specific application.
Conclusion
Soldering unusual metals requires the right combination of fluxes and alloys to achieve reliable and durable solder joints. Bill Shorthouse Metals, with over 40 years of experience in the industry, offers a wide range of high-quality solders, fluxes, and white metal casting alloys suitable for various materials. Our products are trusted by professionals across different sectors, from engineering to jewellery making.
When soldering aluminium bronze, beryllium copper, cast iron, chromium copper, constantan to copper wire, monel metal, nickel-chrome, passivated zinc, pewter, stainless steel, zinc, and galvanised iron, it is essential to use the appropriate flux and alloy for optimal results. Bill Shorthouse Metals can provide you with the right products and technical advice to ensure successful soldering of unusual metals.
Choose Bill Shorthouse Metals for your soldering needs, and experience consistent quality, exceptional service, and expertise in the field. Contact us today or explore our range of solder supplies and learn more about soldering unusual metals.